Easy to grow in any moist but well-drained moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade. Superb hedging shrub and even thrives on poor, shallow, chalky soils 

Propagation: Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer 

Suggested planting locations and garden type:s Drought Resistant Hedging & Screens Low Maintenance 

Portugal laurel / Prunus lusitanica 40-60cm Tall In 9cm Pots

 

Like its close relative the cherry laurel, this species from Spain and Portugal is usually planted to make a large hedge, screen or windbreak

 

Growing Details

 

Common Name: Portugal laurel

Genus: Prunus

Species: lusitanica

Skill Level: Beginner

Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade

Hardiness: Hardy

Soil type: Well-drained/light, Dry

Height: 12m+

Spread: 8m+

Spacing: 3 Plants Per Metre

 

Description

 

It is a very beautiful shrub in its own right though, eventually making a large shapely tree if allowed to grow naturally. The leaves are an attractive shade of green, reddish when young and on red stalks, while the white flowers in early summer smell sweetly of hawthorn. It is hardier and more versatile even than cherry laurel, and withstands clipping into formal shapes.